Urban Planning and Public Health in Africa—Historical, Theoretical and Practical Dimensions of a Continent's Water and Sanitation Problematic

Unlike other interpretations, this book claims that Africa's sanitation problems result, not from insufficient funds, but from institutional factors leading to logistical obstacles to performing simple practical steps. The authors see conventional technologies for sanitation in Africa as economically and culturally unsustainable, and emphasize the role of urban planning as a tool of public health. After a brief history of public health and the built environment, areas discussed include built space in Africa, and racism and racial segregation. Hygiene and sanitation conditions in various regions of Africa are described, and recommendations for access to improved solid waste disposal and sanitation technologies are given. A final chapter describes sustainable hygiene and sanitation strategies. The book contains b&w photos and maps. Njoh is affiliated with the University of South Florida. Annotation c2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)